Cubs Manager Offers High Praise for Embattled Young Pitcher Amid Hot Start

The Chicago Cubs are just a week into the season, which means that evaluations of performances to this point should be taken with a little bit of a grain of salt.

Still, though, this won't stop fans and the coaching staff from being encouraged by players off to strong starts, especially those who may have struggled last season. Perhaps the best example of that so far is young swingman Ben Brown, who has looked sharp in his first two appearances of the year.

Brown made the Opening Day roster coming off a sensational spring highlighted by the development of a new sinker which has overhauled his pitch mix, but there was not a spot in the starting rotation and he was relegated to the bullpen.

Manager Craig Counsell has been extremely impressed with not only his versatility, but the way he has executed as well.

Craig Counsell extremely impressed by Brown so far

Chicago Cubs pitcher Ben Brown throws ball from right han — Chicago Cubs pitcher Ben Brown | Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images

"Early in the season, we thought it could be valuable," Counsell said via the Chicago Tribune of Brown's ability to come out of the bullpen. “With unforeseen weather and being cautious with the starters, I think it’s worked out and will continue to be an asset the next couple of weeks."

Beyond just the flexibility of having Brown available out of the bullpen, Counsell has also been impressed with the way the right-hander has gone about his business so far this season.

"I think what Ben always does is attack the strike zone,” Counsell continued. "As he’s out there more, his sinker starts to come into play. Some increased weapons will help him get more comfortable as we go here."

Brown has done exactly what Cubs have asked of him so far

Chicago Cubs pitcher Ben Brown wears towel on his hea — Chicago Cubs pitcher Ben Brown | David Banks-Imagn Images

Two appearances are not enough of a sample size for Chicago to be convinced Brown is back, but the sinker does look real, and it seems he is settling into the bullpen gig very nicely. Those two appearances have seen 6.2 innings with a 2.70 ERA and 0.90 WHIP, striking out eight and walking just two.

When a starting pitcher is inevitably needed to be added to the rotation, the 26-year-old has put himself in a spot where he will likely be the first name called upon.

Brown's development has certainly not been linear, but it does seem the Cubs have a legitimate weapon in him. Monitoring his progress will be a fun storyline to follow for the remainder of the season.